Bhatkal: A harmonious Hindu-Muslim gathering was held on Friday, orchestrated jointly by the Sadbhavana Manch and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) at Rabita Hall in Bhatkal.

The event was presided over by Mohammed Kunhi, State Secretary of JIH, who stressed the perilous impact of words compared to physical explosives. He illustrated this by explaining that while a bomb may cause localized destruction, a hateful speech uttered from a distant place like Delhi could trigger extensive unrest, potentially igniting riots in Karnataka or even violence in Uttar Pradesh if uttered in Mangalore. He attributed much of the ongoing discord in various parts of the nation to the proliferation of hate and incendiary language.

Distinguished Islamic scholar Mohammed Kunhi, who journeyed from Mangalore to participate in the program and promote peace and brotherhood, expounded on the significance of uniting Hindus and Muslims. He advocated for a collective identity grounded in shared humanity and mutual assistance. By presenting translated verses from the Qur'an in Kannada, he sought to underscore the peaceful tenets of Islam. Kunhi lamented the current trend wherein individuals previously labeled as wrongdoers or criminals are now celebrated as leaders, thereby normalizing a culture of violence.

He expressed deep concern that much of the strife plaguing society today is being perpetrated in the name of religion, despite the true essence of religion being peace, brotherhood, benevolence, and compassion. He pointed out that throughout history, prophets, messengers, saints, and spiritual leaders aimed to unite humanity, not divide it. Every religion, he emphasized, imparts teachings of peace and brotherhood, yet today we witness conflicts and riots fomented under the banner of religion.

ದ್ವೇಷ ಭಾಷಣಗಳ ಮದ್ಯೆ ನೆಮ್ಮದಿಯ ಮಾತು ಕೇಳಲು ದೇಶ ಹಾತೊರೆಯುತ್ತಿದೆ -ಮುಹಮ್ಮದ್ ಕುಂಞಿ

بھٹکل میں ہندومسلم سدبھاونا ملن؛ جماعت اسلامی کے سکریٹری کا ولولہ انگیزخطاب؛کہا؛نفرتی خطاب بم سے بھی زیادہ خطرناک

Kunhi appealed to the Hindu and Muslim leaders present at the event to take up the mantle of disseminating the authentic message of their respective religions, advocating for reform, and fostering societal improvement. He emphasized that these goals require more than mere speeches, necessitating ongoing dialogues and collaborative initiatives to address and resolve issues.

The gathering also saw the recognition of Dr. Virendra Shanbhag, Principal of New English P.U.College, who was honored with the Sadbhavana Sri 2023 award. Likewise, Dr. Saveetha Kamath, Medical Officer of Bhatkal Taluk Government Hospital, and notable social activist Nazir Ahmad Qasimji were felicitated for their outstanding contributions.

Umar Farooq Musbah, President of Rabita Society; Dr. Atiqur Rehman Muniri, General Secretary; Srikanth P, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bhatkal; Inayatullah Shabandri, President of Majlis Islah Wa Tanzim Bhatkal, all addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of recurrent initiatives like this.

The event commenced with a warm welcome extended by Satish Kumar, President of Sadbhavana Manch, who delivered the inaugural address. Abdul Rauf Savnur, Secretary of JIH Bhatkal Branch, introduced Sadbhavana Manch, while M R. Manvi, Secretary of Sadbhavana Manch, managed the proceedings. Maulana S M Syed Zubair, President of JIH Bhatkal Branch, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.